The Sisters of the Spinning Wheel

I Koel! what lightning fell? what singed thy wings? What keeps thee fresh, yet charred? Concealed in the mango-leaves, thou singest! Thy high-pitched strains wake in my soul a thousand memories! Why so restless that thy spark-shedding notes go forth kindling fire? Lo! The roses are on fire which winds and waters catch! The shades of mangoes burn! What a rain of sparks art thou, O little Bird! Koel! what lightning fell? what singed thy wings?

II The Fire of Love has charred my wings, and made me anew, I am restless! Where is my Beloved? The sight of mango-blossoms fires me all the more! The greener the garden, the brighter burns my heart! My flaming soul asks, “Where? where is my Beloved?” “Speak! speak! why are the leaves so still?”